Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner MARS

While most of the new features don’t really enhance the experience, the remaster looks stunning, and you will be surprised by how well the gameplay of this classic has aged.

A great remastered version for one of the most beloved games of the PS2.

This is a timeless mecha-action classic that didn’t lose much of its appeal since the original release about 15 years ago. The VR implementation is far from ideal though.

The definitive way to play the best entry in the Zone of the Enders franchise.

Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner - Mars may have flown under the radar in 2003 but it now has the chance to shine again 15 years later.

Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner M∀RS is (still) the best mecha videogame.

All in all, Zone of the Enders 2: MARS is a noteworthy port of an excellent game. It has flaws, but almost all of them are also part of the original game. There is more they could have done (including a retranslation and redub), but the visual updates and silky-smooth frame rate alone make it a far better port than the lamentable PS3 Zone of the Enders Collection. Fans of giant robots or fast-paced action should consider Zone of the Enders 2: MARS as a must-buy, and those who loved the original can consider this to be the definitive version.

The 2nd Runner – M∀RS brings back the gorgeous arcade shooter gameplay of Zone of the Enders, with an adrenalinic VR twist. Welcome back Jeuthy.

Still one of the best mecha action games to grace any platform, although the decade and a half since its original release have caused Jehuty to lose some of its luster. While the native 4K60 and PSVR support is a great improvement, some other aspects of the game just feel out of date.

Granted, outside of the Gundam games, there is little variety for mech combat games, but what is found in Zone of the Enders The 2nd Runner: Mars can be described as an old, almost forgotten game, being polished up into a fine piece of treasure. It's a hidden gem to many and a doorway to nostalgia for others. The updated gameplay that runs at a smooth 60fps and native 4K makes it feel as though it is an imagination developed in today's time. The work of Hideo Kojima is lovely, even from slightly older eyes, and it's an exciting movement from Konami that raises hopes for other works of art to be re-released soon.

Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner – MARS is, in the end, the best possible version of the classic mecha title. The sci-fi game brings renewed joy to the players once again with a mix of anime scenes in this sequel. Even if the gameplay gets a bit tough in the beginning, it is easily manageable. Furthermore, the feeling of immersion is very impressive, especially if we use a virtual reality device.

Zone of The Enders: The 2nd Runner MARS is a stunning remaster, with some problems about the VR mode.

Although many have dreamed for years of seeing the world through the cockpit of a mecha, now it is best to be content to admire its shiny metallic body from the outside.

The main addition here is the VR mode, that makes ZoE feel like a completely different game. The regular mode just makes it look great on 4K displays, while keeping the amazing gameplay it always had.

It's a great game, it has always been. And now it presents its final edition, without all the problems that we saw in the HD Collection. But we miss the first one, and the VR experience is not as good as we thought, neither like VR game, nor like ZoE.

A solid remaster that fans of the original shouldn’t hesitate to pick up. Having said that, the game hasn’t aged all that well.